Odisha Budget 2023-24 For People, Claims Naveen; An Election Budget, Says LoP

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday termed the Odisha Budget 2023-24 as people’s budget while the Leader of Opposition Jaynarayan Mishra called it election budget.

Speaking to the media persons on his reaction to the Budget presented by Finance Minister Niranjan Pujari in the Assembly on the day, said Chief Minister said it will take Odisha to new heights. “This Budget is of the people, by the people and for the people. It is people’s Budget,” he added.

On the other hand, LoP Mishra said the Budget has been prepared with an eye on the election next year without considering the interest of the people. “The government has made all budgetary allocations only keeping the votes under consideration. No major allocation has been made for development of Odisha,” he added.

Similarly, BJP state president Samir Mohanty termed the Budget as disappointing for commonman. “Economic indicators are disappointing. Industrial sector has been neglected in the Budget which will lead to rise in unemployment. How the state will achieve 8.5% economic growth?” he questioned.